Outdoor furniture - what type of wood?

[Hack]

Being a seasoned cabinet and furniture maker, I have decided to explore my first OUTDOOR project. I am looking at making a bench for my deck and am wondering what type of wood to use. I have losts of oak, soft maple, walnut, and ash on hand, but doubt any of these are suitable for the outdoors, and I really have plans for most of this wood anyways. So, what kind of wood do you suggest?

I know teak is a common choice, but expensive. Would pine be ok? I can get this readily. Probably ok if treated properly and the costis alright. How about treated lumber? Probably not the best to work with.

So I am looking at suggestions from people who have done these types of project. What do you recommend? I think if I could get 10 years out of it, I would be happy. So a lifetime of use is not necessary.

Thanks

Dan

[Al_The_Man]

Teak is always a good choice for outdoor use due to the oil content, but it is like gold with bark on
Any hardwood should last you 10yrs, One big problem in high sun areas is discolouration, if you want to keep a natural finish.
A thing to keep in mind if making bench or especially a table near a B.B.Q. that may be used for food, is treated lumber often has an arsenic content.
I have used oak successfully apart from the discolour issue.
The price was right as I came across a company that imported steel sheet and the layers were separated by 4x4 rough sawn oak.
They were cutting it up for firewood!
Al.

[Switcher]

How about Cedar ?

[Al_The_Man]

Yeah, Cedar is a good one, very durable, but even with that one though I have never managed to retain the natural colour, however it is treated?
Al.

[Switcher]

My bro-inlaw made 2 adirondack style chairs, out of cedar, they have been sitting on my mother-inlaws small front porch for at least 8 years, the porch is covered, they still see a lot of weather/moisture (South Carolina - humidity).

Anyway the chairs still look really good after 8 years.


.

[ger21]

Cypress is good too. I think that white oak is a good outdoor wood as well.

[ger21]

On a side note, are there any good hardwood dealers near you. I'm just outside Detroit, and if I recall, you're maybe 2 hours or less from me.

[TJH77]

I trimmed the outside of my house with red cedar. I love it. Menards, and Lowes both have a good selection of boards. not too pricy. I stained all sides with Cabot oil based stain.

TJ

[svenakela]

My grandfather was a furniture maker and he really thought me a lot about wood working (the old fashioned way without CNC machines) and he made the most stunning wood works in normal but well grown pine and spruce and they lasted ages outdoor. It's all about choosing the right part of the wood and prepare it carefully.

If it's possible for you to get some larch it's amazing when it comes to weather and water resistance.

[Hack]

Great idea guys. I hadn't thought about ceader. This might be a good choice. I will call around and get some pricing next week.

Ger21, yes we have a good wood dealer in my neck of the woods, but they are pricey!!!!!!! They have everything though (www.barndoorlumber.com). You are right, I am only a couple hours from you. In Midland and work in Saginaw.

For those interested in see what I want to make check out http://www.grizzly.com/products/h5098

Wife has had her eye on this one for a while and gotta put the tools to use if she lets me buy them. Hey one project a year for the wife is well worth the well equipped shop.

Dan

[martinw]

Dear Dan,

Western Red Cedar,

It is great to machine, smells good, and lasts. What else could you wish for?

Best wishes,

Martin

[Cdat]

I know this thread is a few weeks old but if you happen to get a chance, run up to Traverse City and go to Rare Earth Hardwoods. They have a LOT of inexpensive flooring that you can plane down and use for all types of projects. Ipe is an excellent choice for outdoor stuff. We (the Boss and I) picked up all kinds of wood (mostly exotics) and are redo-ing the entire house, backyard with it. Those deals are worth the drive. Just redid our diningroom in Bolivian Rosewood for 3.60 a Sqft.